Category: Lawyers

The Background Of Sujit Choudhry

Sujit Choudhry was born in New Delhi, India, but his family moved to Canada when he was still fairly young. Once in Canada, Choudhry was exposed to an entirely new world. He was able to receive an international education and a better understanding of other cultures. This eventually led him to study constitution law at 3 universities in 3 different countries. Once he had completed his education, Sujit Choudhry was prepared to help others as a professor of law.

An Expert In Constitution Building

The main focus of his academic career is constitutional law. He researches and instructs his students on matters of constitution building and how today’s developing countries are creating their own unique approaches to constitution. Beyond academia, he has used his expertise to assist non-government organizations who contend with issues pertaining to constitutional law. Specifically, he serves as a consultant for the World Bank Institute and is also a consultant for a number of universities including Harvard University. His expertise has even attracted the interest of developing countries looking for advice when forming their constitutions and transitioning from authoritarianism.

The Developing Nations Join In

Perhaps the most important work performed by Sujit Choudhry is assisting developing countries in the process of transitioning. Among the countries that sought out the advice of Choudhry are Ukraine, South Africa, and in particular Middle Eastern countries. During the Arab Spring, Choudhry served as an advisor to the reformers who sought out ways to change their home countries. While there are currently ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, his work as undeniably had an impact on that lives of Middle Easterners and garnered support for more open and democratic societies among the populace.

What Lies Ahead

Currently, Sujit Choudhry is busy working on several research projects and a book. His research projects are centered around the security issues affecting developing constitutional governments today such as territorial disputes and authoritarian populism. His book is centered around his birth country India and the development of its constitution. He expects to release it under Oxford University Press.

On May 4, 2016, California Governor, Jerry Brown signed a bill into law hence raising the minimum age of purchasing and using tobacco to 21 years. He signed the bill on Wednesday after it was presented to him. Had he refused to act on the bill, then it would have automatically passed into law the next day.

The bill has made it illegal for anyone below the age of 21 to buy or use tobacco. This includes smoking, chewing and vaping. Support from the bill came from those who seek to discourage tobacco use and addiction among the young people in the state. They view the law as a step forward in helping to curb nicotine addiction. Recent studies show that a huge percentage of chain smokers begin the habit before turning 19.

However, republican lawmakers and veterans’ organizations were against the implementation of the bill. They argued that young people over the age of 18 were old enough to make their own life decisions. The democratic governor was forced to act on the bill before the set deadline otherwise all six bills presented before him would have automatically passed into law.

The bills were passed by democratic lawmakers almost two months before they were presented to Governor Jerry Brown. The other bills touched on the regulation of electronic cigarettes, local tobacco taxes, establishment of annual license fees for tobacco, and the push to make charter schools tobacco free. Others sought to expand tobacco free workplaces.

Hawaii was the first state to pass a law that increased the legal age of purchasing and using tobacco to 21. Over 100 local jurisdictions have followed suit around the country.

Ross Abelow

Ross Abelow is a celebrated lawyer from New York City. He attended State University and later went to Brooklyn Law School. He graduated in the year 1989 with a law degree. He later received his practicing license and got admitted to the New York state bar. Since then, he has specialized in practicing family law.